As Bonfire night approaches, the Scottish SPCA is issuing its annual warning that fireworks can have a serious impact on the welfare of animals.
The charity is reminding people to bear in mind that fireworks season can be a very stressful time of year for pet owners who are trying to protect their animals from the fear and distress they can cause.
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “We have been made aware of numerous incidents over the years where animals have come to serious harm and even death as a result of fireworks being set off near them.
“Animals have heightened senses and their hearing is much stronger than ours.
“The bang from a firework is terrifying to an animal and some will panic and flee at the sound, which can result in road traffic accidents. We have even received reports of swans flying into electricity pylons and horses being badly injured after running through barbed wire fences.”
Chief Supt. Flynn continued, “The Scottish SPCA has campaigned for tighter restrictions on the sale and public use of fireworks for many years.
“Current regulations are so relaxed that fireworks can be set off on any given day and for weeks and months on end rather than being limited to the major festival periods.
“This leaves pet owners and farmers unable to make adequate provisions for their animals.”
The Scottish SPCA is reiterating its call for fireworks sales to be restricted to the week preceding 5 November and not at all afterwards, with the current rules pertaining to New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali remaining unchanged.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity is also calling for the unlicensed use of fireworks by members of the public to be limited to defined festival periods rather than all year round.
Scottish SPCA posters highlighting the dangers of fireworks are available to be displayed in local communities. To request copies please phone the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.
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